Sameer Rizvi discloses sacrificing this thing after joining CSK, all for MS Dhoni

Sameer Rizvi became a part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024. After playing his debut game vs Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, Sameer Rizvi revealed that he used to wear No.7 jersey but changed it in IPL 2024 as it belongs to MS Dhoni.

Sameer Rizvi has adopted the No. 1 jersey at CSK. He made his debut in the CSK vs GT clash on Tuesday, where he shattered a quickfire 14 runs off 6 balls towards the end. He stormed 2 sixes during his cameo and helped the team to reach 200-plus runs on the board.

20-year-old Rizvi was also part of the opening game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). However, he did not get a chance to bat in the match. He was picked by CSK in IPL 2024 auction for an expensive amount of Rs. 8.40 crore against his base price of Rs. 20 lakh.

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My jersey number is 7 but I changed it: Sameer Rizvi 

In a video on IPL website, Sameer Rizvi revealed he always wore the No.7 jersey. However, he switched it to No.1 in IPL 2024 as No.7 belongs to MS Dhoni.

“My jersey number is 7. But that I cannot get as it belongs to Bhaiya (Dhoni). I liked the single number 1, so I took that,” Rizvi said.

Sameer Rizvi also said he was delighted to become a part of CSK in IPL 2024 auction as he always wanted to meet Dhoni.

“I was delighted when CSK picked me up in the auction because meeting Bhaiya (Dhoni) was a dream for me, let alone playing together. We got to play together and I had several nets sessions where I took a lot of advice from Bhaiya and the coaching staff as well. The idea is to try and learn as much as possible,” he said. 

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Focus on game situation: Sameer Rizvi reveals MS Dhoni’s advice

Rizvi, who plays for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket, also shared Dhoni’s advice to him on handling pressure while batting. Dhoni told him to focus on the game situation.

“Bhaiya told me that I have to keep playing the way I have my whole life. He told me, ‘It’s the same game with the same skills needed, just a change in mindset is required at this level”.

“Whenever you walk out to bat, you should not take the pressure and just focus on the game situation. If you focus on the situation then there won’t be any pressure or any nerves while playing the first game,” the right-handed batter further added.

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Meanwhile, with Sameer Rizvi in the team, MS Dhoni’s batting slot has moved to the No.8 spot. In the CSK vs GT encounter on Monday, Dhoni didn’t arrive to bat at his usual no.7 slot. Due to the impact player rule, teams now have an additional batter in the team and Rizvi is one of them for Chennai Super Kings.